All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

In case you may not find Eastwood City on your local map, it’s because it’s not really proclaimed a city! Another is, this mini busy locale is found in Libis, Quezon City in the Philippines. It’s been almost a month since I saw the tarpaulin raised high above the place, but let me just share it to you still.

Presenting: The Enviro-Chic Bag designed by Philippines’ renowned fashion designer, Rajo Laurel!

Truly, eco-fashion is a hot trend these days. This eco-friendly reusable tote bag with native handle details and fringes is just perfect to carry whether you’re casually strutting elsewhere or whilst shopping. You can find one on the concierge of Eastwood Cinemas or inside the newly-opened Eastwood Mall itself. Price is about Php 600 (that’s about $ 12.50 or about € 9)

Of course, this one’s for a cause. Proceeds will go to the Payatas women of Rags 2 Riches (owned by Rajo) and to the Philippine National Red Cross.

DuWop, best known for its lip plumping glosses with a sting, has something to offer for the much anticipated Twilight series. Surely, fans have something to go gaga into aside from the upcoming movie, New Moon, this fall.

Unleash your inner Bella Swan with a swipe of DuWop Lip Venom V, which is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner and contains argan, avocado, olive oil and vitamin E.

Here’s how it’s used:

The product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds and applied repeatedly until lips are plumped, revitalized and the desired intensity of color has been reached.

And yes, it also leaves a biting effect, just like your dreamy Edward Cullen’s kiss would. Aww! Unfortunately, though vampires may live forever, this offer will not. It’s available in limited stocks only! (more…)

I know Father’s day just passed away, but it’s never too late to give your man (or men) in your life some extra lovin’ (there’s Christmas to boot! ). Unleash his extra ravaging sex appeal with a spritz from this new fragrance from Giorgio Armani…

With its extra edgy, art-deco inspired crystalline bottle, and mesmerizing oriental notes, who would not fall in love with this masculine scent?

With ATTIITUDE EXTREME, Armani offers an option different from the classical masculine oriental structure. FRENETICO Intense, through it’s exacerbated but yet under control, sensuality, embodies the ultimate virility.

The balsamic, ambery and balm-like notes of the EDT are replaced by the comfortable warmth of Incense and the ambery/animalic facets of ambergris.

For top notes, it’s fused with energizing notes of cardamom mixed with star anise. It’s enhanced by the shine of lemon, which all in all, gives you a fresh Mediterranean start. The heart notes come with coffee-cedar accord, and is deeply moved by the purest Incence that brings a high level of mystery and sophistication to the fragrance. Whilst patchouli, ambergris and labdanum provide identifiable and well-bred signature on the fragrance’s bottom notes.

It’s available in 30, 50 and 75ml bottles.

Salivate more as you watch this mega titillating Ad from Armani Attitude Extreme:

I must admit I’m starting to love Marc Jacobs more, as I spotted this surprisingly affordable leather tote from his store.

*In sunny yellow and orange. I’m not a fan of the color, but if this is the one tinged in orange, I’d go ahead and grab it fast! Hee-hee*

What’s more to heart about this lovely sling tote is that it’s reversible and available in different colors (2 tones per bag). Now, sashay whilst carrying this super cute bag with your two fave hues!

*Tone yourself with something warm or cool with this bag in Red and Blue*

*Girly colors in cutesy pink and purple*

*Finally, my all-time favorite contrast in green and pink*

Price is at $98 each (about Php 5,000)

What’s your favorite color among the roster? I, on the other hand, need to check out Marc by Marc Jacobs in Greenbelt 5 and hope to score my obvious choice ASAP! XO

Think about modern neon, then you’ll get this latest Fall collection from Marc Jacobs. Truly, he injected such a vibe that jolts out amongst the boring blacks-and-whites of this season. The collection includes puffed tops and a-line bottoms, dresses and skirts with flarings, scarves, jackets, coats and cardigans–all imbued with eye-candy colors and bedazzling brocades prints. There’s still a noticeable presence of dark tights paired with ankle strap shoes or boots. And of course, any Marc Jacobs wardrobe won’t be complete sans the ever gorgeous bags.

Here’s what I like about Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 Collection:

Grays and Blacks with a Spunk

If you opt to steer clear from vibrant neon colors, surely this collection will take you to some place where dark tinges rule  without losing  the spunkiness of your wardrobe.

*The show started with this simple casual gray cardigan and black pants attire. Quite simple for a Marc Jacobs collection, isn’t it? But, try to sport a mohawk ‘do complete with that lovely black and white brocade scarf, and you’re on the go to being MJ stylish. And also, watch out for the kilt and braces aback of this outfit–truly outrageously signatured!*

*This full charcoal brocade dress has this gorgeous flaring at the bottom, decked with a pair purple ankle boots, dark jeweled necklace and neon green printed clutch. *

Puffed with Sleeve and Skirt

The collection also delighted us with  puffed sleeve or skirt, texturized with metallic brocade  and striped prints.

*This sleeved bustier top with puffed skirt really caught my attention as it fused classic and contemporary altogether. Surely, it looks like a formal cocktail ensemble on the first look. But hey, those metallic brocade prints on a quirky skirt might make you think twice otherwise–for a party garb! *

*Another gorgeous party bustier dress. This time, notice the drama of the free-flowing  plain black ribbons to the rest of the striped prints, both forming a semi-ruffled bottom. It’s paired with ankle strap boots displaying its metallic sheen.*

*This  salmon pink blouse with puffed sleeves is paired with high-waisted fur-like pencil skirt complete with patent leather-like gloves and ankle boots. What’s more to love about this formal ensemble is this lovely bejeweled neck piece that’s just elegantly layered on the model’s top.*

Neon Power!

*There’s nothing as playful as combining two different prints for an exquisite yet made-for-each-other look. This blouse and skirt combo have distinct brocade prints on them, yet they impeccably compliment each other in harmonious bluish and yellowish glow.*

*Another playful thing to do with colors is to combine and contrast them. I always like blending these two contrasting colors together. In this outfit, the neon green structured jacket is paired with a decadently printed dress. I just love how it’s been also embellished with yet another brocade printed pink scarf, and a retro mixture of pink and green colors for the brocade bag. Keeping it fierce, the dramatic makeup look and mohawk haristyle really did a well-done job.*

More Story from Style.com

Let’s take a break from our Fall 2009 recap with this lovely new beauty product from Lancome. xx

Finally, a French makeup brand that understands Asian skin! Lancome recently develop its new powder-foundation that promises to suit Asian skintypes like mine–Lancome Maquicake UV Infinite Powder-Foundation. Its unique light-as-air and anti-sweat formulation help skin breathe amidst the tropical country’s  scorching heat and humidity. It promises to provide buildable coverage as fine as a veil silk for a just flawless finish.  And of course,  this powder is just also perfect to stash in this blazing heat of Summer!

Light as Air~!

This innovative formula containing soft-focus fillers (Synthetic Mica) to conceal irregularities and imperfections, and coated spherical fillers for a gentle perfect fit sensation-Lancome

Sweat-Proof Formula

Maquicake UV Infinité prevents your perspiration and sebum to “shine”, thus minimizing the need to for “touch-ups” throughout the day–a must for many Asian women when looking for the ideal compact foundation.-Lancome

Plus, it’s packed with SPF 20/PA++ to help your skin protect against sun’s harmful UV rays, as well as keeping your skin from dark spots and discolorations.

Price is at Php 1,795/ US$ 55

Looks like someone had it reviewed at Makeup Alley. Hmmm… now, it beckons me to try it out soon!

For Philippine residents, it’s currently available at the ff malls: Lancôme Paris, 1/f Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La Tower, Rustan’s Alabang, Marionnaud Mall of Asia

Erratum: The black trench ensemble I featured in Balenciaga was actually from THIS collection.

The house of Lanvin never fails to give women a gorgeous and glamorous vibe, as this season brims with lovely dark floral patterns, bias wraps, high-waisted belts, subtle knots, bows and drapings  in sophisticated, ultra-feminine powersuits and dresses.  Designer Alber Elbaz epitomizes Parisian style with some kink of 40’s retro-ish vibe for Fall 2009 collection.

All in all, this collection is  flat-out classic. You will never go out of style with these pieces, wherever the time machine takes you.

So, expect to see leather-like boots and gloves along the runway. The big, chunky bejeweled, tribal necklace may be a lil bit off-kilter, but in a very stylish way. In fact, I’m digging those chunky pieces as it adds some spunk to the monochromatic wardrobe.

Piece de resistance: Floral, Brocade & Both

* I think anyone would fall in love on this lovely black suit with what it seems to be embossed floral brocade-like patterns.  The fabric and the fine glittered embroidery was really well-put together. I also love the puffed wrap top as it adds quite an oomph to the ensemble. I’m not sure how delicate the material is, but it just speaks to me like, “This is not your ordinary timeless black suit. This is something that should exist in your business wardrobe!” To cut the crap, it’s just perfection at its finest! *

*Another take on the brocade. This time, it’s in a seemingly closed-neck dress with what it looks like a tri-layered, bias cut at the bottom. Well, it’s still drool-worthy elegant for me. The black chunky necklace plays a vital part on this ensemble. The dress won’t seem complete without it.*

*This one pulls off a different pattern, but is indubitably as exquisite as the previous ones. I just adore the cascading drapes on the side as it really gives the dress an overall feminine vibe.*

Simple-toned Blacks & Chunky Metal Necklace

Another option for this collection is to go subtle with a touch of nothing but black. But, what sets it apart from the rest of black boring power suits you see from businesspeople everyday is right in front of your eyes (and her encolure).

*Never go boring with a silver chain necklace and built-in gigantic pendant, whilst keeping things simple with your suit and makeup no-makeup look*

*Same cut as with the first image above, only sans the prints, hence your option if you’re intimated by the floral embroidery.*

*Complete your professional dressing-up with this lovely pair of platform shoes.*

More of Lanvin Fall 2009 here.

Hello lovelies! I’m gonna be featuring 5 Haute Houses for Fall 2009’s Ready-to-Wear Collection. Let’s start off with Balenciaga. xx

Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere highlights his Parisian collection for Fall 2009. What’s pretty much noticeable with this collection is the presence of drapes and prints, plus the silk/satin ensemble. Of course, Fall collection would not be complete without anything structured on it!

However, I am not totally won by this collection. I am not really digging the satin drapes, nor the robed trench coat. But, I’m impressed by the fab structured top and bottom ensemble. I love how the pants flow gorgeously, as they flatter the models’ long lanky legs.

Check out some of the runway pictures from Style.com.

Collection Yays

*These two are my favorite from this collection. I love how such ensemble pulls off a stylish menswear pants and a tuxedo jacket (from left) / puffed long-sleeved top (from right) perfectly to utmost feminine sophistication. One more thing that’s highlighted this season is the proliferation of menswear on womenswear sans losing the feminine touch. These ensembles are totally wearable, and pretty much great revealing the sultry side of powersuit-donning career women on-the-go. Not-to-mention, the shoes are lurve! *

Collection Nays

*Erm, this looks like a high-priced bathrobe. It’s definitely not my cup of tea.*

*On the other hand, I got mixed thoughts on the shoes. I found it weird, but cute. But, this one’s less likely wearable. I guess, its true value goes by having it as a collector’s item.*

*Another ensemble to dismay. I bet it’s really hard to justify a satin top and bottom pair such as this. The skirt looks like draped curtains bound together to form one. Plus, que horror on the shoes. I just can’t explain it. lol. The color combination is interesting enough though.*

Interested to see the rest of the collection? Clicky click here!

One hidden talent hobby of mine is sketching. I have been sketching since five years old, from stick drawings, to cartoon figures and animes. During  high school, I started my knack for fashion (thanks to gazillions of magazine browsing, hence Vanity Fair and Elle) and discovered my talent for fashion designing. I have not tried putting my works to life yet, but for sure one of these days a I will. Since I’m quite busy with work and some other stuff, I put sketching aside for quite a while.

Something for Fall 2008

Here’s something I’ve done last year in full color. I have so many sketches that are rarely enhanced with color (usually pencil and/or ink). Pardon for the resolution, ‘coz I just took a picture of it using my camera phone. This one was my take for Fall 2008. It’s a fusion of something classy and quirky, hence the single breasted brown trench jacket (I’m thinking of using corduroy for the collar, sleeve hemline and pocket accents and wool for the rest) and fancy strapless v-neck top (it’s a yellow-orange button-down strapless top with orange floral pattern embroidery). I paired it up with black tights and blue denim miniskirt (should have used a darker blue color then) for the bottom. Then, tan brown boots as footwear. I was trying to be playful with colors, avoiding being so monochromatic and boring.

Medium is Staedtler pencil in HB, Staedtler Lumocolor pen in black and Faber-Castell watercolor pencils (used dry).

Waking my Ideas for Fall 2009

Looks like everything’s pretty much dark hued or neon, structured, dressy and hmm…brocade! I saw a lot of brocade details for Fall 2009, particularly in Miu Miu, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs collections. I still see the presence of tights and embellished sheer stockings. I will share a few things I love about this season on my next post. xx

It’s been more than a year since I had my hair rebonded. And so, my locks are now starting to get unkempt, in a not-so-good way. It could have been tolerable should I own a Meg Ryan short ‘do, but I have been sporting a long hairdo since college. It’s been a pain in the ass managing one yet again I’ve got no choice (countless brush strokes, countless minutes of deep conditioning, etc), lest I’d end up looking like a smelly hag had I left my hair alone then.

Good thing, I recently discover Matrix, which really seems promising. Though I only tried its hairspray, I’m so amazed that it didn’t leave me reeking with ammonia-like smell at all! I also love its strong hold on my curls. And, I swear that getting one is definitely worth every penny. And speaking of the price, Matrix is surefire friendly on your pocket.

Matrix has a straightening treatment called Matix Opti.Straight. It’s a conditioning straightener that promises to give your crowning glory a soft, silky and straight finish sans fly-aways. Hair is manageable and healthy-looking.

It’s Opti.Straight’s Multi-Ionic technology that delivers top-class condition straightening. It’s got customized strengths to optimally enhance any hair type and an Asian Tea Fragrance which neutralizes the ammonia odor and gives you an uplifting aromatic experience even during the treatment itself.-Matrix

Sounds pretty much interesting, eh? I, myself, am giddy to try it out! But I guess, I’m gonna try to give my long locks a new color first, using So.Color Beauty coloring service. Hmm…I’m thinking of going brunette for a change. Maybe, my Frederic Fekkai lusting would put onto hold. xx (more…)